In a controversial and divisive turn of events, the South African opposition party, Patriotic Alliance (PA), led by Gayton McKenzie, has taken a bold and unorthodox stand against undocumented immigration. The PA, known for its vehemently anti-immigrant stance, recently staged a vigilante operation at the Limpopo River in Beitbridge, a critical border point between South Africa and Zimbabwe. This operation, aimed at curbing the influx of undocumented immigrants during the festive season, highlights the escalating tensions around immigration and border control in South Africa.

McKenzie, a figure notorious for his intense opposition to immigrants, along with his followers, camped at the river’s edge, actively attempting to repel illegal immigrants. Engaging in what many have criticized as a xenophobic and superficial display, the PA took matters into their own hands. Shouting “Abahambe” – a phrase from the Nguni languages meaning “they must go” – McKenzie’s group sought to block the entry of foreigners into South Africa.

In a series of videos posted on social media, McKenzie and his deputy, Kenny Kunene, showcased their confrontational tactics. They claim to have turned back hundreds of foreign nationals attempting to cross the river from Zimbabwe into South Africa near the Beitbridge/Musina border post. McKenzie’s bold assertion that his party members intercepted nearly 1,000 Zimbabweans emphasizes the scale of their operation.

“The bad news is that we do not have a border. We are already in a borderless South Africa,” McKenzie stated, highlighting his perception of the porous nature of the country’s borders. This sentiment resonates with a segment of the South African population concerned about unregulated immigration and its implications.

The crossing of Zimbabweans into South Africa is not a new phenomenon. For generations, individuals and families have traversed this border for various reasons. However, the situation has worsened due to deep-seated economic and social challenges in Zimbabwe, particularly since 2000. The country’s economic collapse, under the leadership of the late former president Robert Mugabe and his successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has driven millions to seek refuge and opportunities abroad, primarily in South Africa.

McKenzie’s operation, as depicted in the videos, involved his group aggressively confronting individuals attempting to cross the crocodile-infested river, some using small boats. He accused local authorities and officials, including the police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and traffic officers, of complicity in what he described as a “mafia syndicate” aiding illegal crossings.

Further stoking the flames of controversy, McKenzie made inflammatory remarks on social media. He suggested that an illegal immigrant could commit a crime in South Africa and easily escape back to Zimbabwe, underscoring his perception of the urgency and severity of the situation. His vow to continue these vigilante actions reflects a deep-seated frustration with what he perceives as inadequate border control and immigration policies.

The actions of McKenzie and the PA, while attracting some support, have also drawn widespread criticism. Many view these actions as dangerously xenophobic and an oversimplification of the complex issues surrounding immigration and border security. Critics argue that such vigilantism fails to address the root causes of immigration, such as economic instability and political turmoil in neighboring countries.

The situation at the Beitbridge border is a microcosm of broader national and regional challenges. It underscores the need for comprehensive and humane immigration policies that recognize the complexities of cross-border movements in a region plagued by economic disparities and political unrest. The PA’s actions, while highlighting these challenges, also raise critical questions about the role of political parties in addressing sensitive and intricate issues like immigration and national security.